Arsenal put on a scintillating display and thoroughly thrashed Everton 7 – 0. Since there was nothing for Everton to play for except professional pride, it was always likely that the 3 – 0 half-time score would be improved on, but no-one can have expected that Arsenal would rack up their biggest Premiership win ever.
Dennis Bergkamp had an outstanding match, showing why at 36 he can still get on the first team. The crowd were chanting “one more year”, and from his post-match interview where he was presented with the man of the match award, he made it clear that he would like to have that one more year. Wenger was keeping his cards close to his chest on the matter, but did indicate that he has made his own mind up. Coupled with his glowing praise for Bergkamp’s display last night, I think it’s clear that he has decided to offer Dennis the extra year, but that terms will need to be decided. I hope that they can work something out, and I look forward to the last game at Highbury being Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial match 🙂
In another nice touch in last night’s match, Edu was handed the ball when Arsenal were awarded a penalty – an award which was somewhat unfair since Lee Carsley had hardly any time to move his arm out of the way of the ball. Edu managed to put the ball in the back of the net, despite Richard Wright guessing the right way. His celebrations, and the response of the crowd both after the goal, and as the players toured the stadium after the match, made it clear that he will miss Arsenal when he moves on in the summer. It was a fitting match in which to say goodbye.
There’s a full Match Report here (Arsenal.com).